Discussion: 2010 Census is coming to your door soon...BUT

2010 Census is coming to your door soon...BUTTHIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE;
BUT, IN TODAY'S TIMES, I CAN SEE IT COULD LEAVE AN OPEN DOOR FOR PASSING OUT YOUR PRIVATE INFORMATION.

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. > Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

Thanks for forwarding the 411. Is it almost 2010 already? Gee, time really does fly!!! LOL!!!!!!!!

Anyway, fraud is a very serious issue and I really like the fact that the Better Business Bureau is concerned with spreading awareness of it. The advice Susan Johnson gives here is pertinent and timely. When you hear about the recent arrest of a Miami man who allegedly had stolen more than 130 million credit card numbers, there is an obvious reason to be cautious about our personal information being out there. These tips are invaluable and should be heeded in all instances.

I looked up some information on ACORN and their involvement with the 2010 Census and I am happy to let you know that ACORN will not be conducting the Census, nor providing workers for the Census.

Since the Census is so important and helps to determine how federal funds are distributed, how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and provides important information to businesses, who use the data so that they can better market their goods and services, it is important that the Census is as accurate as possible.

The Commerce Department, which is responsible for the Census has partnered with more than 30,000 partners who will be promoting the Census and making sure that people know about it. ACORN is a partner organization. Other partner organizations include FedEx, the Self Reliance Foundation, Catholic Charities USA and General Mills, you know, the cereal company.
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/06/acorn-and-the-census

Population growth was the initial reason for this. Since then big brother has evolved it into a just how much info we can amass, thus some heavy hands (handed) tactics are used. Questionable to say the least.
Bottom line is really only that all you need say is the number living as the residence.
Wonder how many "ex" employees from Acorn will be out there... A nut doesn't fall far from a tree.

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